Cape Town - South Africa’s oldest and most glamorous horseracing event, the J&B Met, is all about fast horses and high fashion. Although equestrian sport lovers are there for the horses, most of the patrons on the day are there for the fashion.
And with “A Rare Blend” as the theme for next year, fashionistas are encouraged to push the envelope but still keep it classy by mixing different styles and textures to create something rare for a day at the races.
“From day one, the J&B story has been about the different and rare, the coming together to create something unique and spectacular,” explains Thami Silwana, the marketing manager for the J&B Met. “If you think about our founding fathers, an Italian coming together with an Englishman, to form the Justerini & Brooks business, creating a blend of forty-two Scottish malt and grain whiskies... All of these things talk to collaborations, bringing contrasts together to form something truly rare and spectacular.
“We took that as the inspiration for the theme this year. Our story has always been about a rare blend and the Met is a rare blend itself, a combination of horses and music.
“For the day, we are encouraging unique and different blends that when put together create something absolutely amazing. You can interpret the theme whichever way you like. Your rare blend could be of colour, patterns, or culture and music. We are anticipating a lot of colour and what we are hoping for is that people almost go out of their comfort zone a little bit,” Silwana says.
The event at, Kenilworth Racecourse on January 30, will draw celebrities, horse enthusiasts and fashion lovers together for a day filled with the best of fashion, music, food and horseracing. The VIP list includes ex-Miss South Africa Melinda Bam, crooner Jimmy Nevis, former soccer player Ryan Botha and comedian Kurt Schoonraad. The special guests will spend the day at the J&B VIP marquee enjoying drinks and gourmet eats.
Eighteen of South Africa’s thoroughbreds will compete for a R2.5-million jackpot purse, including Spirit of Hamilton, French Navy, Futura, Legal Eagle, Legislate, Master Sabina and Power King.
Another highlight will be the “Most Elegant Couple” competition offering incredible prizes.
Fashion designer for menswear brand CSquared, Wayne Govender’s advice is to pair items that you wouldn’t normally wear together.
“With the ‘rare blend’ theme, I would blend anything that wouldn’t usually be put together. We have designed tailored garments with a casual feel for the men, clothing that is much easier and more comfortable to wear to the Met.
“Think of fun and funky, but formal at the same time because it is the Met after all.”
Horseracing in South Africa traces its roots back to 1797 when the first horse race was run in Cape Town.
Five years later, in 1802, the first club race took place on what is now the Green Point Common. Since then it has evolved into events such as the J&B Met
A turnout of about 50 000 racegoers is expected which is why the Public Village will be back giving racing fans an opportunity not only to get the best view of the horseracing, but also front row to some phenomenal entertainment – thanks to the “Schweppes gig rig in association with Good Hope FM”.
Also available to Public Village ticket holders will be food stalls, bars and ample space to sit and relax.
MCs for the night will include Schoonraad, and Goodhope FM presenters DJ Loyd , Dalin Oliver and Carissa Cupido.
The full talent line-up includes: Crazy White Boy Live, Nevis, The Kiffness, DJ Reddy D, and some of Cape Town’s finest DJs – Sox, Dean Fuel, Strange Lovers, Brett Aitken, Kanan K7 and Larkin.
The South African horseracing industry makes a significant contribution to the national economy.
In 2009, it contributed R2.71bn to GDP. Between 2002 and 2009, it made a cumulative contribution of R16.8bn to GDP.
It is also a labour-intensive industry. Many people are employed on farms and in stables, and in offices in industries allied to horse racing.
They include breeders on stud farms, trainers and their helpers, jockeys, racing and wagering officials, bloodstock auctioneers and agents, media folk, equine veterinarians and support industries, farriers and those involved in the transportation of horses.
l The J&B Met takes place at the Kenilworth Racecourse on Saturday, January 30 2016. General entry tickets into the The J&B Met Public Village are R125 and available through www.jbscotch.co.za, Computicket and designated tote outlets. Also call Kenilworth Racecourse on 021 7001600.
l For updates follow: Facebook: www.facebook.com/RACINGitsarush
Twitter: @racing_itsarush
Instagram: RACINGITSARUSH
Fast facts
l J&B celebrates its 39th anniversary as the sponsor as the J&B Met.
l Wesgro stated that the 2013 J&B Met had an estimated economic impact of R68-million for Cape Town and the region.
l The early history of the J&B Met is linked to Lord Charles Somerset, Governor of the Cape during the early 1800s.
l The J&B Met is the oldest horse race in the country with a stake of R2.5-million.
l Pocket Power is the only horse to have won the race three times – 2007, 2008 and 2009. Before that Politician won the race twice in 1978 and 1979.
l Several shopping centres and fashion boutiques participate in various promotions assisting patrons in what to wear to the J&B Met. This stimulates the fashion industry in what would otherwise be one of its quietest months.
Cape Argus